BHS drummers win state; Armstrong top saxophonist

Bainbridge High School music students received six medals and became the state percussion and saxophone champions at the Chamber Music Solo and Ensemble Contests April 28-29 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

Students won four gold, one silver and one bronze medal. “This is the most gold medals BHS has won in a single year ever,” band director Chris Thomas said.

The four state champions are:

Small percussion ensemble, the Bainbridge Percussion Quartet: Molly Montgomery, Liam Jucak, Cole Moomaw and Ben Beckett.

Small Woodwind Ensemble, Bainbridge Saxophone Duet: Lang Armstrong, Isaiah Beyer.

Solo Alto and Soprano Sax: Armstrong.

Solo Tenor and Baritone Sax: Armstrong.

Liam Jurcak was second for Snare Drum Solo.

The Bainbridge Saxophone Quintet of Armstrong, Beyer, Cascade Kaseler, Sebastian Ford and Noah Weiss was third in the Large Woodwind Ensemble category.

BHS competed in 15 of the 22 categories, the highest number ever. It is the most medals BHS has won since 2019.

More than 15,000 students compete yearly in solos and ensembles at the regional level and winners move on to state and compete before three adjudicators.

“It’s a mishmash of hard work, vulnerability and competitiveness,” Thomas said. “But there’s a ton of grace because the kids have to spend months working toward this one day, trying to be perfect. Then they have to be satisfied with whatever they end up with. It’s emotionally and technically hard, and these kids were so wonderful, humble and fun all weekend.”

Montgomery said their quartet rehearsed for over 150 hours to perfect their five-minute piece. “It was pretty magical. We just looked at each other, and then we had this great big hug.”

Montgomery plans to attend CWU to study music education. “I’ll probably be a music teacher or band director like Mr. T.”

BHS Senior Lang Armstrong is the top saxophone player in the state. Armstrong won two first-place awards for solos at the competition at Central Washington University.

BHS Senior Lang Armstrong is the top saxophone player in the state. Armstrong won two first-place awards for solos at the competition at Central Washington University.

The BHS Saxophone Quintet of Noah Weiss, Lang Armstrong, Isaiah Beyer, Cascade Kaseler and Sebastian Ford took third place for Small Saxophone Ensemble at state in Ellensburg April 28.

The BHS Saxophone Quintet of Noah Weiss, Lang Armstrong, Isaiah Beyer, Cascade Kaseler and Sebastian Ford took third place for Small Saxophone Ensemble at state in Ellensburg April 28.